UK train strikes: When will inductrial action impact Newcastle travel?

The Aslef union has announced a new wave of December strikes.

Following an 18 month long disagreement over pay, train workers are heading to the picket lines once again this December for a series of strikes.

The action is being organised by Aslef, the union representing train drivers across the UK.

When are the December train strikes?

Strikes will be in place across the UK between Saturday, December 2 and Friday, December 8, although different companies will be impacted on different days.

All members will also refuse to work any overtime from Friday, December 1 to Saturday, December 9.

In a statement Aslef said: "We have, in the past, called everyone out on the same day; by spreading the strike action, for which members voted overwhelmingly, coupled with our ban on overtime across the week, the ramifications for the rail industry will be greater."

Which train companies will be impacted on which strike days this December?

Saturday 2 December at East Midlands Railway and LNER
Sunday 3 December at Avanti West Coast, Chiltern, Great Northern Thameslink, and West Midlands Trains
Tuesday 5 December at C2C and Greater Anglia
Wednesday 6 December at Southeastern, Southern/Gatwick Express, SWR main line, SWR depot drivers, and Island Line
Thursday 7 December at CrossCountry and GWR
Friday 8 December at Northern and TPT

Will the UK train strikes impact services around Newcastle?

It is likely only services from LNER, CrossCountry and Northern will impact Newcastle. The Tyne and Wear Metro will not be affected.

Read Newcastle's news on the go with our free email newsletters - bringing the headlines to your inbox. Catch up on the day's news and sport and enjoy even more from the NewcastleWorld team. Visit our website here to find out more and sign up.

Why are train drivers going on strike again?

This period of industrial action is part of a wider period of negotiations between Aslef and train companies.

Train drivers have not had a wage increase since 2019. "We are determined to win this dispute," said Mick Whelan, ASLEF’s general secretary as part of a statement. "And get a significant pay rise for train drivers who have not had an increase since 2019 while the cost of living, in that time, has soared.

"Our members have spoken and we know what they think. Every time they vote – and they have voted overwhelmingly – for strike action in pursuit of a proper pay rise it is a clear rejection of the offer that was made in April."